She later admitted to police she had thrown the coins “as she prayed for safety”.

Of the nine coins thrown just one hit its intended target - nonetheless enough to force the evacuation of 150 passengers for several hours.

The woman, who was travelling with family, was questioned by officers at Shanghai airport, local media reported.

“After an investigation the involved passenger, surnamed Qiu, said she threw the coins to pray for safety. According to Qiu’s neighbour, Qiu believes in Buddhism,” the police said, according to a BBC translation.

In the end the flight was cleared to continue its journey some five hours later.